Polladhavan: An arresting album from G V Prakash

Polladhavan, and Ninaithale Inikkum, released in 1980 and 1979 respectively were both superhits of Rajnikanth. Now the title of the former and an evergreen song composed by M S Viswanathan from the latter have been borrowed for Rajni's son-in-law, Tamil actor Dhanush's forthcoming film.

Directed by Vettrimaran, Dhanush's Polladhavan has Kuthu fame Divya (she was Ramya then) in the female lead.

Music is by G V Prakash (A R Rahman's nephew) who has already made an indelible mark with his compositions in films like Veyyil, Oram Po and the recent Kireedom.

Prakash has proved he is quiet adept at both melody and fast numbers. Then where was the need to bring Dheena to compose one fast number? Or import the Malaysian rap expert Yogi b to create a remix? There is nothing mind-boggling in the compositions of these two. But fortunately, contrary to the adage 'of too many cooks' have not spoiled the broth here, thanks to Prakash's immense talent. He holds his own brilliantly.

The five-track album kicks off with the remix version of MSV'S Engeyum Eppodhum from Ninaithale Inikkum. The original track by S P Balasubramaniam is still a hot favourite of Tamil film music lovers.

This remix version also has S P B'S voice together with the rap section by Yogi b strung together in the prelude, interlude, the end and at times also as a parallel track. The English lyrics are by Sunitha Sarathy. The rap section has only managed to make a mish-mash of the original.  A mocktail of contemporary sound designs which compared to SPB's original pales into insignificance.

Following this we have the romantic duet Minnalkal Koothaadum by Karthik and Bombay Jayashree. Na Muthukumar's lyrics also have a touch of humour. The youngsters almost crazy with love are oblivious of their surroundings and do silly things like the girl drawing 'kolam'(rangoli) on the neighbour's courtyard instead of her own.

The track has a hummable tune and well-aligned orchestra. Bombay Jyashree as usual sings in a base voice while Karthik's stimulating rendition warms the cockles of your heart. The western style humming, which incidentally is common in the following two numbers, western chorus and inspiring instrumentation add to the structural grandeur of this track which is the toast of this album. The repetition of this number comes as a bonus.

Alibaba Thangam is a racy track with mild hip-hop, catchy chorus and sheaves of guitar and mandolin patterns. The impressive background score and Suchithra's sensuous rendering merge together effortlessly.

Vairamuthu's lyrics have more passion than sentiment in the next track Neeye Sol. Energetic singing by Benny and Sunitha Sarathy is another highlight of this piece. Western style humming and Arabic strings add spice to this highly listener-friendly romantic number.

The concluding piece Padichi Parthen composed by Dheena is redundant to say the least. Superfast speedy rhythm, scorching vocals of Shankar Mahadevan, his volatile rendition and the deafening decibels make this another ordinary composition.

An arresting album from G V Prakash, in spite of Yogi and Dheena!

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